We love <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/recycled-shipping-containers/">recycled shipping containers</a>, but we especially love to see them used in a humanitarian context that literally saves lives. <a href="http://www.newjerusalemchildrenshome.org.za/">The New Jerusalem Orphanage</a> is a sanctuary for up to 80 orphans in South Africa. Designed by <a href="http://4da.co.za">4D and A Architects</a>, this colorful container house is complete with lovely light-filled rooms and mosaic detailing. Pick up a kleenex and flip through our gallery of these gorgeous images by <a href="http://www.dennisguichard.com">Dennis Guichard</a> for a closer look.

1

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

4D and A Architects designed this vibrant new shipping container home for South African orphans

2

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

This is the first of four double houses

3

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Each double house provides rooms for 24 children and two house mothers

4

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Dining, kitchen and lounge areas are shared between two houses

5

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Recycled shipping containers were used as the main building material

6

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Using the shipping containers allowed the design team to cut costs by a quarter

7

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

The interior brims with daylight

8

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

The idea was to create an inspiring space that would make the children feel loved again

9

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

There are about 80 orphans at the New Jerusalem Orphanage

10

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Eventually the founders hope to incorporate advanced learning tools for the children whose development has been stunted by their circumstances

11

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Circular cutouts create a portal to the outside world

12

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

The bright colors are an inspired choice

13

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Funding for the orphanage comes from various sources

14

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

NGOs, private donors, businesses and the Office of Social Development have helped to keep the orphanage afloat

15

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Great care has been taken with all details, which helps to make the kids feel special

16

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Mosaic detailing on the wall is a nice touch

17

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

In time, an additional three units like this will be constructed

18

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Cantilevering containers create shade below

19

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Openings on all ends ensure that the entire facility is both well lit and ventilated

20

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

Dennis Guichard is the photographer responsible for these gorgeous images

21

1/21

New Jerusalem Orphanage by 4D and A Architects

We love recycled shipping containers, but we especially love to see them used in a humanitarian context that literally saves lives. The New Jerusalem Orphanage is a sanctuary for up to 80 orphans in South Africa. Designed by 4D and A Architects, this colorful container house is complete with lovely light-filled rooms and mosaic detailing. Pick up a kleenex and flip through our gallery of these gorgeous images by Dennis Guichard for a closer look.